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NHL stars blast Russia's anti-gay legislation

Count Henrik Zetterberg among those speaking up against Russia's ban of "homosexual propaganda."

The country has become a target of public outcry in recent days since it became known that its anti-gay law, passed in June, would apply for all athletes during the fast-approaching 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Many fear that the law, which prohibits homosexual propaganda around minors, could be used to arrest those simply showing gay pride or support of gay rights.

Zetterberg, the Detroit Red Wings captain who will likely represent Sweden in the Olympics, reportedly told Swedish tabloid Aftonbladetthat the law is "awful, just awful."

"I think that everyone should be able to be themselves," Zetterberg said. "It's unbelievable that it can be this way in this time, especially in a big country like Russia."

Fellow Swedish player Victor Hedman, who plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning, also had strong things to say about the law: "That's completely wrong, we're all humans. No one should have a say in what way you're sexually oriented."

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